NIU’s finest were honored Thursday night at the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. 25th annual Tribute to Black Men.

The Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom was overcrowded with students and faculty.

In addition to S.I.S.T.E.R.S., Sharanda Crowder, Miss Black NIU, hosted the event. Many other female representatives from various organizations on campus paid tribute to black men.

Sharina Ware, Black Student Union president, presented a poem.

Sigma Lambda Gamma paid a special tribute to Leroy Mitchell, director of the CHANCE program and pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Hagar Allen, a representative from Sigma Lambda Gamma, said Mitchell was a man who deserved a tribute.

“He is a man who really believes in his work,” Allen said.

Ware said she felt it was important to honor the black men of NIU.

“We must pay tribute to them because it is a battle for them to stay here,” she said.

Franzine Caldwell, founder of S.I.S.T.E.R.S., was the main speaker at the event. Caldwell reflected on her years at NIU. She talked about those who fought and paved the way for black students to attend NIU. Caldwell encouraged the men to help those who were not as fortunate as them.

“An expansion of opportunity exists for you today,” Caldwell said, “You must survive, thrive and do better than most expect.”

The men were then presented with their awards. Tim Jones, the president of NIU’s chapter of the NAACP, was presented with the Up and Coming Leader award.

“It is a privilege to recognized as a leader on campus,” Jones said.

There was a Libations performance, which is an African tradition honoring ancestors, performed by Lametra Curry. Curry said she was proud to see a production honoring black men. It was an honor to be in the company of exceptional black men, she said.